Abstract
The limited availability and high cost of acquiring real-world image data impacts the creation of high-quality datasets, hindering the development of robust machine learning models, particularly in complex visual domains. This paper investigates the feasibility of enhancing image classification performance by incorporating balanced synthetic data into existing datasets. Three distinct machine learning tasks—image classification, instance detection, and image segmentation—were explored across diverse image domains. Synthetic images were generated to complement real-world data, and various testing scenarios were conducted, adjusting the relative weights of real and synthetic samples. The results demonstrate that balanced datasets, comprising an equitable mix of real and synthetic images, consistently yielded the highest performance metrics across all tasks. It was also observed that even a small introduction of synthetic data can improve performance over real data alone. The 50–50 split showed to optimally balance the realism of real data and the variability of synthetic data. Real data ensures that the model learns accurate representations of objects, while synthetic data enriches the training process with additional variations, reducing overfitting to specific real-world examples. The proposed approach highlights the potential of strategically integrating synthetic data to improve model accuracy and robustness, particularly in scenarios where real-world data is limited or challenging to acquire. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract

Abstract
The lack of open-source platforms capable of integrated operational modeling and multi-scenario decarbonization analysis, often hinders data-driven decision-making in the maritime sector. To address this gap, this paper presents an open-source, multi-agent, discrete-event simulator capable of accurately forecasting the energy consumption associated with the diverse assets and activities within a container terminal. The tool's modular architecture enables transparent evaluations of operational strategies and decarbonization alternatives by allowing users to systematically modify inputs or alter embedded energy modules. The tool's capabilities were validated through a case study of a medium-sized Portuguese container terminal. For this particular port, findings indicate that installing three onshore power supply (OPS) units and fully electrifying the internal truck fleet yields the most substantial emission reductions. However, these interventions result in a two-fold increase in daily electricity demand, potentially straining grid capacity. This finding underscores that the effectiveness of terminal electrification as a decarbonization strategy ultimately depends on a simultaneous transition to a decarbonized and secure energy supply.

Abstract
In the context of the diversity and complexity of laboratory processes, it is crucial to address the vulnerabilities associated with healthcare. Proper risk management becomes essential to ensure quality and safety in this environment. In this sense, the application of risk management tools and methodologies plays a crucial role in the identification, assessment and mitigation of potential risks present in laboratory processes performed, especially in a hospital environment. The present work addresses the theme of risk and safety management in a hospital environment, with the aim of promoting a safe environment for this community. The Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis methodology was applied to identify and mitigate the risks associated with medical equipment used in a medical genetics laboratory. The methodology included data collection, failure analysis, risk quantification, decision tree application and risk evaluation. Among the 19 failures analyzed none demonstrated a Risk Priority Number (RPN) greater than 8, suggesting that the equipment operates within acceptable risk thresholds. The results highlighted the importance of the safety of healthcare professionals and the proper functioning of equipment to ensure patient safety. The study contributed to the development of preventive and corrective actions, as well as providing future improvements and implementation of the methodology in other services of the hospital. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
Despite growing commitments to inclusive education, higher education institutions struggle with digital accessibility. Accessibility problems often remain invisible to educators during content creation and difficult for institutions to monitor and manage at scale. We present a Moodle-integrated accessibility system that connects real-time evaluation of PDF materials at upload time with an institutional dashboard that aggregates accessibility metrics across courses and departments. By doing so, the system aims to link everyday teaching practices with higher-level monitoring and decision-making. To understand how educators and coordinators engage with this integrated approach, we conducted a formative user study. Results indicate that while visual feedback and aggregated metrics increase accessibility awareness, a critical tension remains: compliance-oriented technical language hinders educators from translating detection into remediation. These findings suggest that detection and monitoring, while necessary, are not sufficient on their own. Effective accessibility infrastructures must also support meaningful, actionable engagement with accessibility in everyday teaching practice.

Abstract